If you are considering training in Jiu Jitsu I highly recommend Gentle Arts Academy!! Instructor and 5 time world campion Francisco Sinistro Iturralde is second to none. His focus on details and proper technique elevate your game quickly while maintaining a fun environment. Professor Sinistro is committed to building family through events such as; bicycle rides, run/walks, picnics and beach clean up activities for all ages. The academy offers a divers schedule for training at all levels and features guest instructors periodically.

Gentle Arts Jiu Jitsu is amazing! Starting Jiu Jitsu can be scary, especially in your 30’s! I am not an aggressive person, nor did I have any experience in any combat sport/martial arts of any kind before starting Jiu Jitsu. On my first day training at Gentle Arts, I was made to feel right at home. The instructor and other students were quick to help me feel like part of the team. The instructor is kind and very knowledgeable. Not only is Professor Sinistro an incredible teacher, but an accomplished competitor as well.I am so glad I jumped out of my comfort zone and started training Jiu Jitsu. Not only has it changed my life physically (lost 30lbs), but also my perspective on everyday challenges. I am more resilient and creative in how I deal with the obstacles life throws at me. I recommend Jiu Jitsu to anyone especially at Gentle Arts Jiu Jitsu. Come join the team! :)

Professor Francisco it’s a skilled, patient, resourceful, respectful guy. He’s really good with kids, a gifted teacher! The gym is nice, clean, with great vibes. I highly recommend this place.

As a parent, there is nothing more exciting as when your child looks forward to training. We were blessed to be Sinistro’s (Professor’s) first youth students and have watched the class grow so quickly. The children look up to and learn so much from training, including mentorship, humility, confidence and discipline. They do not like to miss a class as they strive for stripes on their belt. Professor is gentle and kind while commanding attention and action from the students. We are so grateful to be part of this school.

Francisco “Sinistro” Iturralde is a world class instructor with an absolute wealth of knowledge. This is a MUST TRAIN location if you are looking to improve your Jiu Jitsu training or to just learn how to properly defend yourself. A++++ all around.

Gentle Arts is my favorite jiu jitsu gym in San Diego. Francisco is extremely patient, professional, and a world class instructor/competitor. No matter your age or skill level, Gentle Arts will feel like home after your first visit, I promise!

If you are interested in starting Jiu Jitsu, Gentle Arts is the place to go. From the moment you walk in the door you’ll find the atmosphere friendly and welcoming.Sinistro’s classes and teachings are excellent. He communicates the details in way that are easy to understand and spends time with each student to reinforce the techniques.All the programs (kids, teens and adults) are great for getting in shape and building confidence. Sinistro is excellent with kids and teens. It’s amazing watching how fast everyone learns.Many of us have doubts, too old, out of shape, physical limitations etc. and are afraid to start. Myself included. Sinistro is understanding and encourages you to only do what you physically can.Come train and have fun!

I’ve been training at gentle arts now for about eight months. I am so impressed by the detail of the instruction and professionalism of the coach and team! There is lots of individualized instruction and plenty of rolls with professor “ Sinistro “. He’s always willing to answer questions and help you work on things are struggling with. I don’t feel “ lost in the crowd”. I no longer have ” jiu Jitsu anxiety ”. I know what to expect every time I go and I know he is always right there to help. I couldn’t say enough good things about my experience with the school.Thanks professor!!!

I’m a 74 year old Japanese American trained martial arts for 60 years. Started to learn the jiujitsu after retirement at 62. In my humble opinion it is rare for a great competitor to be a great instructor. Prof Sinistro is exactly that. I am fortunate to have him as my jiujitsu teacher. His technical skills and the attention to details really standout. AND he makes the training fun.

Professor Sinistro Iturralde provides great quality jiu jistu instruction with high emphasis on details and techniques. He has also created positive gym atmosphere that always encourages you to improve yourself. He also incorporates stretching before and after training, which I find to be very relaxing and also helps in recovery. Everyone at the gym is always willing to share their knowledge and always motivates one another. I have met a ton of amazing friends at the academy and I always look forward to going to class everyday! I have only been training at Gentle Arts for a couple of months (without prior knowledge to jiu jitsu or any martial arts) and I can already notice a lot of improvements in my game. Training at Gentle Arts is always fun and I would highly recommend anyone of any age group and experience to check out the academy!

You’ll find nothing but top shelf Jiu Jitsu at Gentle Arts. Professor Fransisco is a world renowned instructor and black belt competitor. He’s created a beautiful academy with a fun, family atmosphere. If you’re reading this considering if you should give it a shot, I assure you it will be one of the best choices you’ve ever made!!!

Professor Francisco Iturralde is a decorated competitor and practitioner. His ability to communicate and convey to his students techniques allows you to easily grasp the art improving your game and shortening your learning curve a lot sooner than most, this is high value!Post workout, stretching is important and key to a long healthy life on and off the mats. Francisco’s expertise in yoga definitely solidifies the quality of his teachings.Don’t waste anymore time, do yourself a favor go in and give it a try, you’ll thank your younger self later!

Top quality instruction and a super friendly environment to train and learn jiu-jitsu!!

Francisco Iturralde is one of the best instructors there is in the JJ community; his passion and dedication for his student is second to none, more than 15 years of experience in martial arts. He helped me grow up as a person and as jiujitsu practitioner.

Sinistro has amazing Jiu Jitsu and ability to communicate the art. He has had a successful competition career as well. Most importantly, he is a terrific human being. No better person to start your journey with.

Great and detailed instruction. Ive been learning from Sinistro for years. A great person on and off the mats!

Professor “Sinistro” Iturralde is extremely thoughtful and patient with his instruction.He’s created a friendly environment of abundance where everyone is committed to improvement.True to the name, his style is smooth and gentle, with an emphasis on technique over strength, and practical!I also love the Yoga classes to complement the JiuJitsu training.Most importantly we have fun!

One of the best Bjj profesors, he is incredibly clear in his explanations, extremely detailed, and a very nice and easy going person, if I was leaving near his academy I would definitely be training in there👌🏽🔥

This is an amazing school. Sinistro made me feel very welcome from the moment I stepped into the door. I trained and learned a ton on the first day. The mats where very clean and no egos that made me feel intimidated. If you are looking to start your Journy in jiu jitsu and you live in the area I Recommend this school.